Credit By Exam

CLEP The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) gives you the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know with qualifying scores on one or more CLEP examinations. These exams test your knowledge of introductory college-level subjects. Youngstown State University's Comprehensive Testing Center offers all 33 CLEP exams. Students should check with their home institution to verify which exams will be awarded credit.

Youngstown State University awards credit for successful scores on 30 CLEP exams. The following table lists the exam(s) for which credit is granted, the required score, and the course for which you would receive credit.

For currently enrolled students, eligibility for credit is based on those tests recognized by the university during the term the report is received.

Credit to students whose reports are received prior to enrollment will be awarded based on those tests recognized at the time of matriculation.

Important Information about YSU's CLEP Policy:

• Students who have already received credit for coursework for a subject in which the courses are sequential may not receive academic credit by means of CLEP exams.
• Students may not take CLEP exams for any course in which they are currently enrolled or in which they have previously been enrolled and earned an evaluative grade (A-F, AU, INC, NF, CR, NC).
• Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree may earn up to a maximum total of 30 semester hours and students earning an Associate degree may apply a maximum of 15 semester hours earned via credit by exam through a combination of CLEP, Credit by Exam and Advanced Placement Testing.  Students who wish to take more than the maximum permitted may petition their college dean for a waiver of this limitation.
• Students who have unsuccessfully attempted to pass a CLEP exam must wait three months prior to retaking that exam.

Fees: Please follow this two step registration and payment process when scheduling a CLEP exam:

• Step 1: CLEP Exam Fee: $93.00 payable by credit card. Registration and payment must be completed prior to the scheduled exam at the CLEP website. Please bring your printed CLEP registration form on exam day.
• Step 2: Administration Fee: $25.00, non-refundable, payable by credit card to YSU. Schedule a CLEP exam and pay the $25.00 fee online at the Testing Center's website.  Please note:  we will accommodate one request to reschedule without repayment, after which the $25.00 administration fee will be reassessed and a 30 day wait will be required.

**Please note: Military Service Members** Active Duty/Reserves/National Guard - The CLEP registration fee and test administration fees are waived. Military personnel must present military ID to receive the YSU fee waiver. 

• One reschedule request will be accommodated, additional requests will require a 30 day wait between appointments.

**YSU Veterans**  Receive a YSU test administration fee waiver but may be responsible for the CLEP registration fee.

** You must bring your DD Form 214 to your testing appointment to receive the YSU fee waiver. 

What should I bring on exam day?

Please bring the printed CLEP registration ticket and identification to the test center.

Acceptable forms of ID: Primary ID: Valid (unexpired) state issued driver's license with name, photo and signature; Valid (unexpired) state issued identification card with name, photo and signature; Current passport with name, photo and signature; Valid military identification card; National identification card; Tribal Identification card with name, photo and signature; Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship.

Unacceptable ID: Credit or debit cards; Social Security Cards; employee identification cards; student identification cards

NOTICE: Cell phones, calculators, PDAs of any kind, beepers, watches, books, papers, and food are not allowed in the testing room. Leave all personal belongings at home or in your car.  

Each exam lasts approximately two hours. Please plan accordingly. Candidates with disabilities who require accommodations must make arrangements well in advance of the test date.

For more information: The College Board’s website provides additional information about CLEP exams, including exam descriptions and test preparation resources. You can also contact your academic adviser to discuss whether CLEP is right for you.